"I know this song with one really killer line" (updated)

September 13, 2007 - Thursday

I like to think that on Monday nights I do my part to be a better listener. Monday night is always poker night here at our home...and inevitably people leave angry. I just kick it upstairs, knowing and waiting that I will hear someone's bad-beat story. (Let me guess: You had it the whole way and someone sucked it out on the river. Man, I am so good.)

Listening truly is a skill. But it's easy to do--you know, that whole active listening thing. I think my favorite thing to do when it comes to listening is eavesdrop. I'll admit it! As a waitress, there are some conversations you happen into that you do not want to walk away from. You have to be covert though. People can tell when you hover a little too long. (Although there is nothing more uncomfortable than having the break-up table. People!! Why are you doing this in public? Is she/he really that crazy? ...maybe)

The best place to listen is the bus. In fact, I love it when I notice someone listening to conversations I'm having. Marcy and I were heading out to bike ride and just jawing about everything. I think we were more amusing to the lady in front of us than to each other. This is why I think it's tragic that we're all plugged into our iPods all the time. I'm as guilty as the next person, but I do bless the moments when I forget to charge it and am forced to listen to sounds of life rather than my music.

So, much in the same way I turned off my cell phone off for a week many months ago, I am going to *gulp* leave my iPod at home for a week. The only exception is I get to listen to it when I work out. Come on, it's my motivation! We'll see how it goes.

Update: Day 1 was OK although all I heard on the bus was how sick everyone is! I think my biggest pet peeve is when people sniffle. Blow your nose please! Anyway, I thought it was going to be really hard, especially because an album I was excited about came out today, but it wasn't that bad. I enjoyed my connection to the outside world. Plus I don't have to fight the urge to sing outloud and dance as I walk down the street, which is quite the inner struggle.

Day 2: Sirens always remind me of home...I know I grew up in the middle of nowhere, but I was on the main drag (Hwy 38) which meant lots of traffic and action for a "country" girl. The sounds of today were quite lovely; I tend to sit in front of the government center where the fountains are. Green space. Alone. Shared with everyone. I close my eyes and remember.

Day 3: I caved. The pull of all that good music--it's like having a soundtrack to my life. I can't help it! Well, I won't sweat it. It was kinda nice without the music. Maybe I'll just let my iPod run out of battery more often.